Solenoid valve

ABSTRACT

A valve flow-directing vessel ( 42 ) comprising a sleeve ( 44 ) having a threaded installation portion ( 84 ) for connection to a receiving member, a plunger ( 46 ) movable within the sleeve ( 44 ) between a closed position and an opened position, and an orifice insert ( 48/50 ) fixedly attached to the sleeve ( 44 ). The orifice insert ( 48/50 ) defines an orifice ( 132 ) that is sealed when the plunger ( 46 ) is in the closed position and unsealed when the plunger ( 46 ) is in the opened position. The orifice ( 132 ) is the entrance to a passageway ( 130 ) having an exit ( 134 ) communicating with a delivery passage of the receiving member, and this exit ( 134 ) is positioned beyond the threaded installation portion ( 84 ) of the sleeve ( 44 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/682,907 filed on May 20, 2005 andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/777,401 filed on Feb. 28,2006. The entire disclosures of these provisional applications arehereby incorporated by reference.

GENERAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a solenoid valve and, moreparticularly, to a solenoid valve installed in a valve-receiving member(e.g., a manifold) to control the delivery of fluid.

BACKGROUND

A solenoid valve commonly comprises a solenoid assembly and aflow-controlling vessel which controls flow in response to energizationof the solenoid assembly. The flow-controlling vessel can include asleeve and a seal-carrying plunger that moves between a closed positionand an opened position within the sleeve. For example, when the solenoidassembly is energized, the plunger can be motivated to move from aclosed position to an opened position and, when the solenoid assembly isde-energized, the plunger can be mechanically biased to return to theclosed position.

A solenoid valve is often used with a valve-receiving member, such as amanifold, to selectively deliver fluid to a particular piece ofequipment. A receiving member can include one or more supply lines, oneor more interfacing cavities, and one or more delivery lines. Theinterfacing cavities can each includes a passage communicating with thesupply line(s) and a passage communicating with the delivery line(s).The valve, when in an open condition, forms a flow path from the supplyline(s) to the respective delivery line(s) so that fluid can be providedto the corresponding equipment.

The sleeve of the valve has an installation portion which mates with avalve-installation portion of the interfacing cavity to create afluid-tight connection therebetween. Typically, for example, the sleevehas external threads and the interfacing cavity has correspondinginternal threads whereby the valve may be screwed into the recedingmember. In any event, when the valve is installed in the receivingmember, a flow path is formed between the supply line and the respectivedelivery line, and an orifice forms part of this flow path. When theplunger is in the closed position, it seals the orifice and no fluid isdelivered to the equipment. When the plunger is in the opened position,it does not seal the orifice and fluid is delivered to the equipment viathe delivery line. Thus, by selectively energizing and/or de-energizingthe solenoid assembly, the flow of fluid to the equipment can becontrolled.

The orifice, and the seal-seating area surrounding the orifice, areoften very important to the proper operation of a valve. In manyinstances, the dimensions of the orifice and seating area must be veryprecise, and within very tight tolerances, to insure the necessaryaccuracy of flow rate and/or other parameters. Particularly, forexample, the diameter of the orifice and the curvature of thesurrounding edge, are often critical to obtaining correct flowcharacteristics. Thus, these elements must be machined or otherwise madeunder extreme accuracy. Moreover, as the durability of the orifice andseating area essentially dictates the life of the valve, these elementsmust be able to maintain this accuracy.

SUMMARY

The flow-controlling vessel of a solenoid valve comprises a sleevehaving a installation portion for connection to a receiving member(e.g., a manifold), a plunger movable within the sleeve between a closedposition and an opened position, and an orifice insert fixedly attachedto the sleeve. The sleeve and/or the orifice insert define a fluidchamber, an inlet into the fluid chamber, an outlet from the fluidchamber, a flow path from the inlet through the flow chamber to theoutlet. The orifice insert includes an orifice and a seating areasurrounding the orifice. The orifice is sealed when the plunger is inthe closed position and unsealed when the plunger is in the openedposition.

In contrast to the widely accepted practice of the orifice being part ofthe receiving member, with the insert the orifice is part of the valvepackage. As such, the manufacturer of the receiving member need notconcern itself with precise dimensions and/or very tight tolerances whenfabricating the passages in the interfacing cavity. With a multi-cavitydesign, which is very common, this eliminates the situation where anentire block has to be scrapped because even just one orifice has notbeen machined to specifications.

With the orifice insert, the construction of the flow-directing vesselcan include the incorporation of the orifice. This allows the valvemanufacturer to calibrate flow characteristics at the factory andconfirm that the valve will indeed meet particular parameters. When theorifice is instead part of the receding member, the valve manufactureris at the mercy of the manufacturer of the receiving member as towhether strict flow specifications will be satisfied upon installationof the valve in the receiving member.

The orifice insert also allows the critical orifice-carrying componentof the vessel, and only this component, to be made of a long-lifematerial, such as stainless steel. The other vessel components can bemade of more economic materials without compromising the life of thevalve. For the same reason, the receiving member can be machined from acheaper block material and this, in combination with the loosening oftolerances, can have a significant impact on manufacturing costs.

The orifice insert additionally makes a modular-like manufacturingprocess possible, as inserts with different orifice sizes can becompatible with the same vessel design. Thus a family of valves, withvarying flow characteristics, can be made by using the same vesseldesign with different orifice inserts. For this same reason,after-construction adjustments can be more easily accommodated if, forexample, field use a valve reveals that the specified flow parameters(although met by the valve) are not optimum due to equipment derivationsand/or deviations.

The orifice insert further allows the flow-controlling vessel to beconstructed with only one threaded portion, namely an externallythreaded member-installation portion which mates with correspondinginternal threads in the interfacing cavity. The threaded connection of aseparate orifice-carrying piece (which requires two additional threadedportions) is not necessary. This can represent a significant savings tothe valve manufacturer because, as a general rule, less threadstranslates into lower tooling costs. Also, unlike a separateorifice-carrying piece, the insert does undesirably increase the packagesize (e.g., height) of the valve.

These and other features are fully described and particularly pointedout in the claims. The following description and annexed drawings setforth in detail a certain illustrative embodiment that is indicative ofbut one of the various ways in which the principles may be employed.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the valve installed in a multi-cavityreceiving member.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a valve-interfacing cavity of the receivingmember.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the valve-interfacing cavity.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the valve.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flow-directing vessel of thevalve, this vessel including a sleeve, a plunger assembly, an inlet cup,and a flow-controlling capsule.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve.

FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the plunger assembly.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the plunger assembly.

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the inlet cup.

FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the inlet cup.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the flow-controlling capsule.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the flow-controlling capsule.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the flow-controlling capsule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, asolenoid valve 10 is shown installed on a receiving member 12. Thereceiving member 12 comprises a block 14, at least one fluid supply line16, at least one valve-interfacing cavity 18, and at least one fluiddelivery line 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the member 12 has fourinterfacing cavities 18, with a common supply line 16 and a deliveryline 20 for each cavity 18. However, a receiving member 12 wherein eachinterfacing cavity 18 has its own supply line(s) and/or wherein aplurality of the cavities 18 have a common delivery line 20 or multipledelivery lines, is certainly possible and contemplated.

In operation, a source of the fluid is connected to the supply line(s)16 and the delivery line(s) 20 are connected to the relevant equipment.The valve 10, when in an open condition, forms a flow path from thesupply line(s) 16 to the respective delivery line 20(s) so that thefluid can be provided to the equipment. The valve 10, when in a closedcondition, obstructs this flow path so that fluid is not supplied to theequipment.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the interfacing cavity 18 of thereceiving member 12 is shown in more detail. The illustrated interfacingcavity 18 generally comprises an upper cylindrical portion, which isdefined by a sealing surface 22, a threaded cylindrical wall 24, and abottom annular wall 26, and a lower cylindrical portion, which isdefined by a lead-in chamfer 28, a sealing surface 30, and a bottomcircular wall 32. The interfacing cavity 18 includes supply passages 34communicating with the supply line 16 and a delivery passage 36communicating with the respective delivery line 20. The supply passages34 are located on the upper bottom wall 26 and the delivery passage 36is located on the lower bottom wall 32. Both the passage 34 and thepassage 36 are positioned below (or deeper than) the threadedcylindrical wall 24 in the interfacing cavity 18.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the components of the valve 10 are shown. Thevalve 10 generally comprises a solenoid assembly 40 and a flow-directingvessel 42. The flow-directing vessel 42 comprises a sleeve 44, a plunger46, an inlet cup 48, and a flow-controlling capsule 50. The illustratedvalve 10 additionally includes a fastener 52 for attaching the solenoidassembly to the flow-directing vessel 42, and seals 54 and 56 forconnecting the vessel 42 to the receiving member 12 in a fluid-tightmanner. The vessel 42 (and/or the plunger 46) can include a spring 58for mechanically biasing the plunger 46 to a particular position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the flow-directing vessel 42, is shown in anassembled condition and isolated from the rest of the valve 10. Theplunger 46 and the spring 58 are situated within the sleeve 44 and theplunger 46 is movable between a closed position and an opened position.The inlet cup 48 and the flow-controlling capsule 50 are attached to theopen end of the sleeve 44. More specifically, the inlet cup 48 and theflow-controlling capsule 50, which may be collectively referred to as anorifice insert, are press-fit into the sleeve 44. No threadedconnections are necessary between the cup 48 and the sleeve 44 and/orbetween the cup 48 and the capsule 50.

The sleeve 44, the cup 48, and/or the capsule 50 define an inlet 60, afluid chamber 62, an outlet 64, and a flow path from the inlet 60through the flow chamber 62 to the outlet 64. When the valve 10 isinstalled on the receiving member 12, the inlet 60 and the outlet 64communicate, respectively, with the supply passages 34 and the deliverypassage 36 of the interfacing cavity 18, thereby defining a flow pathfrom the supply passages 34 to the delivery passage 36.

When the solenoid assembly 40 is not energized, the plunger 46 is biasedby the spring 58 to its closed position, thereby sealing the outlet 64and preventing the flow of fluid therethrough to the delivery passage 36of the interfacing cavity 18. Thus, fluid is not supplied to theconnected equipment. When the solenoid assembly 40 is energized, themagnetic force overcomes the biasing force of the spring 58 and theplunger 46 is moved to its opened position. The movement of the plunger46 results in the outlet 64 no longer being obstructed, whereby fluidcan flow therethrough to the delivery passage 36 and then to thedelivery line 20 for conveyance to the equipment.

The sleeve 44, shown in FIG. 5, generally comprises a tube 70, a stopcylinder 72 closing the upper end of the tube 70, and a flange 74surrounding the lower end of the tube 70. The stop 72 has bore with anupper internally threaded region 76 for receipt of thesolenoid-to-vessel fastener 52. A lower region 77 of the bore has ahexagonal cross-sectional shape for receipt of a hex wrench. It may beconvenient for the fastener 52 to have a wrench-receiving recess on itshead, of the same dimensions as the region 77, so that the same wrenchcan be used both to install the vessel 42 and assemble the solenoidassembly 40. The lower axial surface 78 of the stop 72 (located withinthe tube 70) serves as a stop for the plunger 46 and/or as a brace forthe spring 58.

The outer profile of the flange 74 comprises a rim 80, a groove 82 forreceipt of the seal 54, an externally threaded boss 84, and a pedestal86. When the valve 10 is installed in the receiving member 12, the boss84 screws into the threaded wall 24 of interfacing cavity 18. This maybe accomplished by insertion of a wrench into the hexagonal region 77 ofthe bore in the stop 72 and turning in the appropriate direction. It maybe noted that this internal wrench surface eliminates the need for anexternal wrench surface on the sleeve 44, thereby simplifyingfabrication and/or reducing package height. In any event, when thethreads are fully mated, the rim 80 rests against the surface of theblock 14 surrounding interfacing cavity 18, the seal 54 is situatedwithin the sealing surface 22 of the interfacing cavity 18 and thepedestal 86 abuts against the cavity's annular wall 26. The seal 54prevents fluid from leaking to the outside environment through themember-sleeve interface.

The inner profile of the flange 74 comprises a smooth cylindrical wall88 and a radially outward flared skirt 90. The wall 88 extends downwardfrom the lower edge of the tube 70 and defines a diameter slightlygreater than the tube diameter. This interior geometry accommodates apress-fit attachment of the inlet cup 48 to the sleeve 44. As wasalluded to above, no threads are necessary on the flange 74 and/or thecup 48 to accomplish the sleeve-to-cup attachment.

The plunger 46, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, comprises a plunger body 92and a seal 94. The seal 94 is associated with the plunger body 92 insuch a way that movement of the body 92 translates into movement of theseal 94. The seal 94 can be integrally formed, attached to, connectedwith, or otherwise incorporated into the structure of the plunger body92. Alternatively, the seal 94 can be a separate piece which is pushed,pulled, or otherwise manipulated by movement the plunger body 92. Ineither or any event, in the plunger-closed position, the seal 94 seatsagainst an orifice of the capsule 50 (namely orifice 132 introducedbelow) which forms the outlet 64 from the fluid chamber 62. In theplunger-opened position, the seal 94 is distanced from this orifice soas to allow the flow of fluid through the outlet 64.

The illustrated plunger body 92 comprises a bore 96 at its upper axialend, a cavity 98 at its lower axial end, and a channel 100 connectingthe bore 96 to the cavity 98. The upper axial end of the body 92 abutsagainst the stop 78 of the stop 72 when the plunger 46 is in its openedposition, thereby limiting its stroke within the sleeve 44. In theassembled valve 10 and/or vessel 42, the spring 58 is inserted into thebore 96 and is thereby confined between the bottom wall of the bore 96and the stop surface 78 of the cylinder 72.

In the illustrated embodiment, the seal 94 is carried by a platform 102which floats within the cavity 98 of the plunger body 92 and ismaintained therein by a retainer 104. This floating arrangement, incombination with the pressure-equalization provided by the channel 100,can provide momentum and/or enhance the opening forces. However, suchfloating and/or pressure-equalization is not necessary and/or may not bedesired in certain situations, and in any event, is not crucial to theconstruction or operation of the orifice insert (e.g., the cup 48 andthe capsule 50).

The inlet cup 48, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, comprises an innercylindrical wall 110, an outer cylindrical wall 112, and a connectingwall 114 extending radially therebetween. The walls 110, 112, and 114form an annular chamber 116 and openings 118 in the connecting wall 114communicate with this chamber 116. In the assembled valve 10 and/orvessel 42, the chamber 116 communicates, via the openings 118, with theholding chamber 62. When the valve 10 is installed on the receivingmember 12, the chamber 116 communicates, via the supply passages 34 inthe interfacing cavity 18, with the supply line 16.

The flow-controlling capsule 50, shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, comprises a body128 having an outlet passage 130 extending axially between an entrance,specifically an orifice, 132 and an exit 134. It may be noted that theexit 134 is positioned below the installation portion (i.e., the boss84) of the sleeve 44. In the assembled valve 10 and/or vessel 42, theoutlet passage 130 communicates, via the orifice 132, with the holdingchamber 62, when the plunger 46 is its opened position. When the valve10 and/or vessel 42 is installed onto the receiving member 12, thecapsule passage 130 communicates with the respective delivery line 20,via the exit 134 and the passage 36 in the interfacing cavity 18.

The area 136 around the orifice 132 defines a seat for the plunger seal94. In many instances, the dimensions of the orifice 132 and/or theseating area 136 must be very precise, and within very tight tolerances,to insure the necessary accuracy of flow rate and/or other flowparameters, and this preciseness must be maintained throughout the lifeof the valve/vessel. Particularly, for example, the diameter of theorifice 136 and the curvature of the surrounding edge, are oftencritical to obtaining correct flow characteristics. For these reason,the orifice-carrying component can be made of a durablecorrosion-resisting material, such as stainless steel to insure and/orprolong the life of the valve 10.

The illustrated capsule 50 comprises a podium 140, a cup/member engagingportion 142 below the podium 140, and a pedestal 144 below the portion142. A groove 146 is situated between the portion 142 and the pedestal144 for receipt of the seal 56. The outlet passage 130 can comprise atop section extending through the podium 140 and flaring into a widerbottom section which extends through the cup/member engaging portion 142and the pedestal 144.

The orifice 132 is located on the upper axial end of the podium 140 andthe exit 134 is located on the lower axial end of the pedestal 144. Inthe assembled valve 10 and/or vessel 42, the seating podium 140 ispositioned just within the tube 70 and within the holding chamber 62. Anupper region of the engaging portion 142 is surrounded by the innercylindrical wall 112 of the inlet cup 48. When the valve 10 and/orvessel 42 is installed on the receiving member 12, a lower region of theengaging portion 142 is surrounded by the lower cylindrical wall 32 ofthe interfacing cavity 18. The bottom axial end of the pedestal 144 isabutted against the bottom wall 32 of the interfacing cavity 18 and theexit 134 is aligned with the delivery passage 36. The seal 56, situatedwithin the groove 146, prevents fluid from leaking between themember-pedestal interface and into the annular chamber 116 of the inletcup 48.

The relative positioning between the receiving member 12 and the vessel42, advantageously effects package size. Particularly, for example, theexit 134 is positioned below the threaded boss 84. This allows the valve10 and/or the vessel 42 to maintain the same (or almost the same)package height as when the orifice is part of the receiving member 12.

To assemble the flow-controlling vessel 42, the capsule 50 can bepress-fit into the inlet cup 48 and then these two components 48/50 canbe press-fit into the inner surface 88 of the sleeve flange 74. Theinlet cup 48 can be otherwise attached to the sleeve 44 and/or thecapsule 50 can be otherwise attached to the cup 48. Additionally oralternatively, the inlet cup 48 can be formed in one piece with thesleeve flange 74 in which case the orifice insert would comprise onlythe capsule 50. The inlet cup 48 can be formed in one piece with thecapsule 50, keeping in mind that this might result in the inlet cup 48being unnecessarily made of an expensive long-life material. In anyevent, other attachment methods are certainly possible and contemplated,with non-threaded attachments being preferred in the interest ofreducing tooling costs.

It may be noted that the relevant geometry for the incorporation of theorifice insert 48/50 is dependent upon the external dimensions of theouter wall 112 of the inlet cup 48 and the cup-engaging portion 142 ofthe capsule 50. A wide range of passage, orifice, and/or outletdimensions can be provided within the capsule body 128 without changingthese external dimensions. This allows different orifice inserts, oreven just different capsules, to be used with the same vessel design toallow modular manufacturing and/or field flow adjustments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice 132 formed the outlet 64 fromthe fluid chamber 62, and the opposite end of the passage 130 formed theexit 134 of the passage 130. Additionally, the openings 118 in the cup48 formed the inlet 60 into the fluid chamber 62. Also in theillustrated embodiment, the valve 10 has a normally-closed design, withthe plunger 46 being biased to its closed position, and moving to theopened position upon energization of the solenoid assembly 40.

However, in certain applications, the orifice 132 could form the inletto the fluid chamber 62, the opposite end of the passage 130 could formits entrance, and the opening 118 in the cup 48 could form the outletfrom the fluid chamber 62. In the latter case, the passage 36 in thevalve-interfacing cavity 18 would communicate with one or more supplylines, and the passage 36 would communicate with one or more deliverylines. Additionally or alternatively, the plunger 46 could be biased toan opened position (e.g., the valve 10 could have a normally-opendesign), with the energization of the solenoid assembly 40 moving it tothe closed position.

Although this disclosure has shown and described a certain embodiment orembodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In regardto the various functions performed by the above described elements(e.g., components, assemblies, systems, devices, compositions, etc.),the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchelements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to anyelement which performs the specified function of the described element(i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function. Inaddition, while a particular feature may have been described above withrespect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherembodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application. Furthermore, directional modifiers (e.g., upper,top, lower, bottom, above, below, left-hand, right-hand, etc.) are usedonly for ease in explanation in connection with the illustratedorientation and do not, unless otherwise indicated, limit the elementsto any specific orientation.

1. A flow-directing vessel for installation into an interfacing cavityhaving a cylindrical wall with a threaded portion, a supply passagelocated below the threaded portion, and a delivery passage located belowthe threaded portion; the vessel comprising a sleeve, a plunger movablerelative to the sleeve, a cup fixedly attached to the sleeve, and acapsule fixedly attached to the cup; the sleeve having a threadedportion for mating with the threaded wall of the interfacing cavity toconnect the vessel to the interfacing cavity, the cup having a U-shapecross-section formed by radially spaced apart inner and outer walls, andan upper axial wall extending between and connecting the inner and outerwalls, the upper axial wall including at least one opening, wherein theinner and outer walls and the upper axial wall define a chamber thatopens downwardly for communication with the supply passage; the capsulecomprising an orifice in communication with the at least one opening inthe upper axial wall, an exit for communication with the deliverypassage, and a passageway from the orifice to the exit; the plungersealing and unsealing the orifice to thereby seal and unseal thepassageway from the orifice to the exit such that when the passageway isunsealed, fluid from the supply passage can enter the chamber and passthrough the at least one opening in the upper axial wall to the orificeand then through the orifice into the passageway to the exit.
 2. Aflow-directing vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cup and thecapsule are not formed in one piece with each other.
 3. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cup is press-fit into thesleeve and wherein the capsule is press-fit into the cup.
 4. Aflow-directing vessel as set forth in claim 2, wherein the capsule is aone-piece body and the cup is one-piece body.
 5. A flow-directing vesselas set forth in claim 4, wherein the cup and the capsule are not made ofthe same material and wherein the capsule is made of a durablecorrosion-resistant material.
 6. A flow-directing vessel as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the cup surrounds the capsule.
 7. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 1 and a solenoid assembly controllingmovement of the plunger.
 8. A flow-directing vessel as set forth inclaim 1, wherein a solenoid assembly mechanically biases the plunger toa closed position sealing the orifice and, when energized, moves to theplunger to an opened position unsealing the orifice.
 9. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 1 and a receiving member comprising aninterfacing cavity; the interfacing cavity comprising a cylindrical wallwith a threaded portion, a bottom wall structure below the threadedportion in the cylindrical wall, a supply passage situated in the bottomwall structure, and a delivery passage situated in the bottom wallstructure; the sleeve's threaded portion engaging the threaded portionof the cylindrical wall of the interfacing cavity; and the chambercommunicating with the supply passage and the exit communicating withthe delivery passage.
 10. A flow-directing vessel as set forth in claim1 and a receiving member comprising an interfacing cavity; theinterfacing cavity comprising a cylindrical wall with a threadedportion, a bottom wall structure below the threaded portion in thecylindrical wall, the bottom wall structure comprising a first bottomwall and a second bottom wall positioned at different heights relativeto the cylindrical wall; the interfacing cavity having a supply passagesituated in the first bottom wall and a delivery passage situated in thesecond bottom wall; the sleeve's threaded portion engaging the threadedportion of the cylindrical wall of the interfacing cavity; and thechamber communicating with the supply passage and the exit communicatingwith the delivery passage.
 11. The flow-directing vessel of claim 1,wherein the cup is fixedly attached to the sleeve by engaging the outerwall of the cup to an inner wall surface of the sleeve, and the capsuleis fixedly attached to the cup by engaging the inner wall of the cup toan outer wall surface of the capsule.
 12. A flow-directing vessel as setforth in claim 1 the cup further comprising at least one roundedshoulder between the inner wall and the upper axial wall or between theouter wall and the upper axial wall.
 13. A flow-directing vessel forinstallation into an interfacing cavity having a cylindrical wall with athreaded portion, a supply passage located below the threaded portion,and a delivery passage located below the threaded portion; the vesselcomprising a sleeve, a plunger movable relative to the sleeve, a cupfixedly attached to the sleeve, and a capsule fixedly attached to thecup; the sleeve having a threaded portion for mating with the threadedwall of the interfacing cavity to connect the vessel to the receivingmember, the cup having a U-shape cross-section formed by radially spacedapart inner and outer walls and an upper axial wall extending betweenand connecting the inner and outer walls, the upper axial wall includingat least one opening, wherein the inner and outer walls and the upperaxial wall define a chamber that opens downwardly for communication withthe delivery passage; the capsule comprising an orifice forcommunication with the at least one opening in the upper axial wall, anentrance for communication with the supply passage, and a passagewayfrom the entrance to the orifice; the plunger sealing and unsealing theorifice to thereby seal and unseal the passageway from the entrance tothe orifice such that when the orifice is unsealed, fluid from thesupply passage can enter the passageway through the entrance and passthrough the orifice to the at least one opening in the upper axial walland then into the chamber to the delivery passage.
 14. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 13, wherein the cup and the capsule are notformed in one piece with each other.
 15. A flow-directing vessel as setforth in claim 14, wherein the cup is press-fit into the sleeve andwherein the capsule is press-fit into the cup.
 16. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 14, wherein the capsule is a one-piece bodyand the cup is one-piece body.
 17. A flow-directing vessel as set forthin claim 16, wherein the cup and the capsule are not made of the samematerial and wherein the capsule is made of a durablecorrosion-resistant material.
 18. A flow-directing vessel as set forthin claim 13, wherein the cup surrounds the capsule.
 19. A flow-directingvessel as set forth in claim 13 and a solenoid assembly controllingmovement of the plunger.
 20. A flow-directing vessel as set forth inclaim 13, wherein a solenoid assembly mechanically biases the plunger toa closed position sealing the orifice and, when energized, moves to theplunger to an opened position unsealing the orifice.
 21. Aflow-directing vessel as set forth in claim 13 and a receiving membercomprising an interfacing cavity; the interfacing cavity comprising acylindrical wall with a threaded portion, a bottom wall structure belowthe threaded portion in the cylindrical wall, a supply passage situatedin the bottom wall structure, and a delivery passage situated in thebottom wall structure; the sleeve's threaded portion engaging thethreaded portion of the cylindrical wall of the interfacing cavity; andthe chamber communicating with the delivery passage and the entrancecommunicating with the supply passage.
 22. A flow-directing vessel asset forth in claim 13 and a receiving member comprising an interfacingcavity; the interfacing cavity comprising a cylindrical wall with athreaded portion, a bottom wall structure below the threaded portion inthe cylindrical wall, the bottom wall structure comprising a firstbottom wall and a second bottom wall positioned at different heightsrelative to the cylindrical wall; the interfacing cavity having a supplypassage situated in the first bottom wall and a delivery passagesituated in the second bottom wall; the sleeve's threaded portionengaging the threaded portion of the cylindrical wall of the interfacingcavity; and the chamber communicating with the supply passage and theentrance communicating with the delivery passage.
 23. A flow-directingvessel for installation into an interfacing cavity having a cylindricalwall, a first passage located below the cylindrical wall, and a secondpassage located below the cylindrical wall; the vessel comprising asleeve, a plunger movable relative to the sleeve, a cup fixedly attachedto the sleeve, and a capsule fixedly attached to the cup; the sleevehaving a mating portion for mating with the cylindrical wall of theinterfacing cavity to connect the vessel to the receiving member, thecup comprising a U-shape cross-section formed by radially spaced apartinner and outer walls and an upper axial wall extending between andconnecting the inner and outer walls, the upper axial wall having atleast one opening, wherein the inner and outer walls and the upper axialwall define a chamber that opens downwardly and defines an inlet oroutlet for communication with the first passage; the capsule comprisingan orifice for communication with the at least one opening in the upperaxial wall, an exit or entrance for communication with the secondpassage, and a passageway therebetween; the plunger sealing andunsealing the orifice to thereby seal and unseal the passageway betweenthe orifice and exit or entrance such that when the orifice is unsealedthe inlet or outlet of the chamber is in communication with the entranceor exit of the capsule through a flow path defined by the chamber, theopening in the upper axial wall, the orifice and the passageway.